Rúnar Arnórsson of Hafnarfjörður, Iceland, has committed to play golf at the University of Minnesota, head coach John Carlson announced. Arnorsson joins Charlie Duensing (Sandy, Utah) and Riley Johnson (Fargo, N.D.) in the Golden Gophers’ signing class for 2014-15.

"Our program took another big step forward today with the signing of Runar,” Carlson said. “Runar brings international amateur experience, leadership and a winning mentality to our young lineup returning for the 2014-15 season. We look for Runar to make an immediate impact on our program and in the Big Ten Conference."

Arnorsson started playing competitive golf at age 9. The past few years have been especially successful for him. Arnorsson finished second at the Icelandic Championship in 2012, and that same year he represented Team Iceland at the Eisenhower Trophy in Turkey.

In 2013, he finished second at the Icelandic Match Play Championship, and finished the season as the top-ranked golfer on the Icelandic Elite Tour. Arnorsson has also represented Team Iceland in several other tournaments around the world. His lowest round last year, a 7-under 64, set a course record at his home course.

“Becoming a Gopher and playing for the University of Minnesota is an opportunity I am very excited for,”Arnorsson said. “I’ve been working hard on my game, and it’s an honor to join a college with such a strong golf program. There are talented players, great leadership and a rich history. Everything is there to make me the best golfer I can be, and I really look forward to joining the program, playing as a Gopher and contributing to the team.”

The son of Arnor Skulason and Margrjet Thordardottir, Arnorsson was born in Reykjavík. He grew up and attended school in Hafnarfjörður, just outside the capital city.